Somewhere along the serpentine roads sculpted into its challenging topography, Uluwatu has become a vibrant enclave led by a crop of lifestyle-driven establishments. Offshoots of cafés and restaurants populating Canggu find their new homes while nightlife venues lure stylish partygoers, turning this once elusive southern enclave into a tourist hot spot that rivals other destinations on the island. Still, it hasn’t distracted in-the-know travellers from the region’s main draw.
Off the beaten paths where gravel still crunches underfoot and trees tower overhead, another side awaits, one that preserves Uluwatu’s charm. The gentle whisper of ocean waves replaces motorcycle horns, the air feels less stuffy, and time moves at a considerably slower pace. That’s where one would find sprawling oases like Radisson Blu Resort & Villas Bali Uluwatu, tucked away from the crowd that persists in Labuansait.
Many may know the resort for its 139 spacious rooms, designed with brise-soleil screens for an airy lift to its earth-toned contemporary furnishings. But its recent development added 11 private villas to the property’s collection, following its rebrand as a Resort & Villas property, the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region.
Imagine waking up in a spacious bedroom to total quietude, save for the occasional flitting chitters of songbirds. Just steps away from the plush bed is a sprawling view of glittering waters, and the only thing one needs to do is draw the curtains and slide open the glass doors to get closer to the panorama.
Tucked away in its own secluded section, these villas epitomise the essence of a luxury escape. Though quite a walk from the reception lobby and the main resort grounds, it’s just a short buggy ride from the pool bar. And, if one ever finds themself in need of assistance, the long travel isn’t required; a dedicated front desk for the villa area is ready to help or greet guests on their morning walks or evening strolls, located just across a small entryway that makes departures and returns to the villas from outside the property much more seamless.
Whether the one- and two-bedroom options, each abode boasts its own glittering private pool that overlooks the ocean. If that’s not enough, the villa area has its own public infinity pool that seems to blend into the horizon. With the room’s comforts, poolside loungers, and an outdoor sundeck that prompts outdoor conversations in the evening breeze to be prolonged, there may be no reason to leave the villas, but the tree-flanked walkways beckon for an exploration of the resort grounds. (One might just meet the Uluwatu area’s natural residents monkeying around here and there.)
Villa and resort guests alike are treated to the same excitements offered by activities and amenities in and around the property. Artichoke and Choka are open all day, featuring a menu of diverse cuisines, while dinners can be made extra special with a table at the signature Filini Restaurant, serving gourmet Italian dishes. Active guests can keep up their routine at the fitness centre or tennis court before sinking into bliss with recovery at Spa ESC. If that’s not enough, a long list of activities and excursions await, from trips to the famed beaches nearby, surfing, ATV, to paragliding.
Asia Dreams Volume 59
Radisson Blu Resort & Villas, Bali Uluwatu
Jalan Pemutih, Uluwatu
Bali 80364, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3613008888
E: rhi_rdbu@radisson.com
W: radissonhotels.com/blu
IG: @radissonblubaliuluwatu
